Local

Editor’s note: The wastewater systems in Randleman and Asheboro, like many cities throughout North Carolina, are at least 50 years old. Citizens often don’t understand the obstacles municipalities encounter in keeping those systems running, efficiently and cost-effectively. The following is a look at a subject most people prefer to remain “out of sight, out of mind.”

ELDORADO — Several teams of veterans have been in the Uwharrie National Forest (UNF) since Thursday looking for Michael Kirkpatrick, a missing veteran from Fayetteville. Kirkpatrick, 29, is a combat veteran of the Iraq war and suffers from PTSD.

Share your photos and stories with us. We’d love to showcase them in “Calling all Readers!” This week the last installment of readers’ vacation photos are being showcased, including Matthew and Karen Smith’s trip to Michigan, Colorado and North Dakota, plus we begin our newest batch of photos of the fun things kids like to do, such as this one of Mya Vazquez playing dress-up. Next up: Keep sending us photos of your kids in action, taking a class at the library, going to summer camp, taking part in a fashion show, or even going on a mission trip through church. Send them to ajordan@courier -tribune.

TRINITY — The Bobby Labonte Foundation and its founder, NASCAR Champion Bobby Labonte, will continue its title sponsorship of the “Tour de Reason” Bike Ride, a cycling event that has earned over $60,000 for local charities.

ASHEBORO — Information gathered from the 2013 Randolph County Community Health Needs Assessment states that 26.9 percent of Randolph County residents are current smokers, surpassing the 22 percent state average.

THOMASVILLE — Lorelei Elaine Elberson, Miss Central Carolina’s Carolina princess, is 8 years old and is hosting a spaghetti dinner and silent auction to raise money for JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) to help find a cure, treat and prevent T1D.

RALEIGH — Administration and oversight for public charter schools has been handled by the N.C. Department of Public Instruction for years — but Sen. Jerry Tillman, a longtime supporter of charter schools, wants to change that.